The Abilene reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1883-1888, 1887-04-28
CHESTER a. ARTHUR.

Interesting Memorial Exercises In the Em-
pire State Capitol to the Late Ex-Prest-
dent-Eioquent Tributes by Benjamin r.
Brewster and Chauncy VI. Depew.
ALBANY. " Y, April 21.-The exerci sea
in memory Of the late President Arthur,
which were held in the Assembly chaRz>
Der last evening. attracted large ana
distinguished audience, including most o.
the Senators and Assemblymeu and manv-
Of their wives; the relatives OF
Mr.. Arthur, including C. A. Arthur, Jr.,
Miss Ellen Arthur, James s. Masten and.
| Arthur II. Masten, of Cohoes; Mr.. sn7
Mrs. j. E McElrov. Miss Mamie McElroy
and Mr.. W. II. McElroy. Among others
present were Surrogate Rollins Of New
York and ex-United States Marshal Nc
Michael, of Washington. The chamber was,
simply draped with the National colors~
A large portrait was placed behind the
| Speakers desk.
The meeting was called to order by
! Senator Smith, who introduced Governor
Hill as chairman. The Governor, who was.
warmly applaud ed, responded N few
words appropriate to the occasion. Adj
! dresses were then delivered by ex-Unlted
States Acknowledgement Brewster. who,
elOquently outlined the ex-President's.
exalted career, and by Hon. Chauncey NJ.
OCHtH. WHO Ddiu u ElIn tribute 10 the
character and achievements of the de-
ceased. In the course Of his address Mr..
Depew said:
"When the end came for General GAR.
field, Arthur entered the White House as.
he had taken the oath of cflice-alone. r.
weaker man would have succumted, n
narrower one would have seized upor
the patronage and eudeavored 10 build
up his power by Strengthening his
faction. But the lineage and training OF
Arthur stood in this solemn and critical
hour for patriotism and mGnliness.
Friends, co workers with him in the olt
| lines, and ass ociates under the old co1di-
tons, looking for opportunities, for recog-
milton or for revenge, retired chastenej
and ENLIGHTENED from the President of the
| United States. President Arthur will be.
distinguished both for what he did and
what he refraineI from doing The strain
and intensity of public feeling. the
vehcmence of the angry and vindictive
passions of the time, demanded the
rarest Of negative as we'll as positive
qualities. His calm and even course of
government allayed all excitement and
appealed to the better judgment of the.
people. But though not aggressive or
brilliant, his administration was sensible.
and strong, and admirably adjuste to tho
conditions which created and attended it.
He spoke vigorously for the
reform and improvement of the civil
service. and when Congress, acting upon
his suggestions, enacted the law, he
constructed the machinery for it's ex-
ecutlon which has since accom- ~ ished
most satisfactory. though as vet ncOm--
plete results. On questions of currency
and finance he met the needs OF
the public and private credit, and
the best comm srcal sentiment of the
country. He knew the necessity for
efficient coast defenses and a navy equal
to the requirements of the age. He kaeE--
~ felt the weakness of our merchant
marine and the total destruction of the
proud position we had formerly held
among the maritime nations of the world,
and did what he could to move Congress
to wise and patriotic legislation.
There has rarely been, in the history Of
popular governments. so great n contrast
in the public appreciation of General
Arthur at the time of his inauguration
and when he retired from office The
President Of whom little was expected
and much feared returned TO private life.
enjoying IN larger degree than most OF
his predecessors the profound respect and
warm regard of the people without dis
tin"tion of party.
He said to me early in his administra-
ton: "My sole ambition is to enjoy the
confidence of nv countrymen." Toward
this noble ideal he strove with un1eviat-
ing purpose. Even in the mistakes he
made could be seen his manly struggle
TO be right. Once again in private
station, and resuming the practice of his
profession, he moved among his fellow
citizens, receiving the homage and
recognition which come of their pride in
the way he had borne the hnnOrs and ad-
ministered the duties OF the chief
maGistracy Of the Republic. In his
last illness he hal the sympathy
and prayers Of the Notion and the
grand gathering of men most distinguish
ed in every department of or rub,ic and
private life, who sorrowfullv bore him to
the grave, was the solemn tribute of the
whole people through their representa-
tives to his worth as a man and his emf
nence as public servant.